Question: We are a matter of hours away from the start of the test series in New Zealand, what are your thoughts on this series?

Moin Khan: I think when you look at the two teams, Pakistan have the better line up, but what really evens things out and perhaps turns things in New Zealand's favour are the conditions and the fact that the series is being played so early in the New Zealand summer.

Question: What aspects of the teams do you think will decide which way the series goes?

Moin Khan: The key battle is Pakistan's batting versus the New Zealand bowling. If the Pakistani batsmen can put up enough runs for their bowlers then it could be a very interesting series.

Question: The UDRS is being used for the first time in the Dunedin test. What are your thoughts on technology in cricket?

Moin Khan: If the technology is there, then use it. There is no harm in using the technology that is available. What fans, administrators and players have to realise though is that it wont be perfect straight away so everyone has to be a little patient as it may need a few tweaks.

My main concern though with the UDRS is how long will it take for decisions that are referred to be made. Its not a good thing for decisions to take a long time before they are reached as it will slow down the day's play and momentum of the match.

Question: If only it was in use during that test series in West Indies, when Pakistan was robbed of a record breaking series victory in the Caribbean?

Moin Khan: (laughs) Yes well we all saw what happened. Both Walsh and Adams were out but the umpires never gave us the decisions.

Question: You were linked with a role in the American Premier League. Have those plans now been shelved by the organisers?

Moin Khan: There were issues with the television rights and subsequently the organisers were struggling to find sponsors. It hasn't been shelved altogether, rather postponed until possibly next year. The main objective for the organisers though is to try and obtain ICC approval. If they can manage that, then there is greater scope for this competition.

Question: When you say more scope, do you mean that more players could be available to take part in competitions like the American Premier League?

Moin Khan: If the competition can get approval from the ICC then players with central contacts from various boards around the world could receive the ok to play in such competitions. Also a lot depends on how the court case goes next month, where the ICL are taking legal action against the BCCI, ECB and IPL.

Question: Recently there seems to have been more uncertainty over Intikhab Alam's position as coach. If the PCB came knocking on your door and asked you to take over as coach, would you accept the role?

Moin Khan: Well I represented my country with dignity and pride for 14 years. I always played to the best of my ability and of course it would be a huge honour if I was asked to take over as coach of my country. I would have to sit down with the PCB representatives and talk over things first though.

Question: Moin, I notice that you havent been involved in the day to day coaching at PIA this season, why is that?

Moin Khan: I've been working behind the scenes on my Academy that I will be launching in Karachi. I wanted to give my time to the Academy project and that is why I havent been involved in the day to day coaching at PIA so far this season.

Question: You will have to keep us updated on progress at the Academy so that we can provide our membership with full details?

Moin Khan: Yes sure, I'll send you the details through once we are ready to announce further details.

Question: You work closely with Sarfraz Ahmed at PIA and you will see him day in, day out. Who in your opinion should be wicketkeeping in the New Zealand test series for Pakistan?

Moin Khan: Sarfraz is a very talented young man. He's a great prospect, but I think Pakistan need to persevere with Kamran Akmal. I think Kamran's experience will be vital in New Zealand and whilst he wasn't fully fit in the recent series in UAE, he is now fully fit and should be in the team. Also Kamran is the vice captain so it would be a surprise if he wasn't picked for all 3 tests.

Question: You were what I would term a gutsy cricketer, with a never say die attitude. No cause was lost while you were around, how come Pakistan doesnt produce so many of that type of cricketer nowadays?

Moin Khan: I was lucky enough to be part of a team that had matchwinning and fantastic bowlers. Guys like Wasim, Waqar, Saqlain and Shoaib Akhtar early in his career had the ability to change the course of a match in the space of a few overs. We felt that with bowlers like the aforementioned, we could defend any total.

Question: What are your thoughts on some of the current Pakistan pace bowlers that have not really performed to their ability?

Moin Khan: Overall I would say that the pace bowling department at the moment is a bit weak.

Shoaib Akhtar never really managed himself very well, he's had far too many fitness issues.

Umar Gul needs to start establishing himself in test cricket. He has shown the world that he is an excellent Twenty/20 bowler, but its now time to make his mark in test cricket.

Asif's "direction" wasn't right. I hope that he has learnt his lessons of the past and can move forward in his cricketing career.

Sami was a great prospect, but unfortunately he never delivered on a consistent basis.

Question: Moin, many thanks for your time in speaking to PakPassion.

Moin Khan: My pleasure.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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